LYME DISEASE EVENT - FAVOR DONATION IDEA

Hello to my very loyal readers. I cannot believe that I still have such a large readership and hits to my blog even though I have (shamefully) not posted since April! Thank you so much for keeping an eye on my blog for me!

There's a good reason for my lack of posting. I'd been pretty sick with Lyme Disease. I even had to take the summer off from "the day job" just to get through the treatments. However, I'm finally feeling better! 20 pounds lighter, but better! : )

I'm back to work at "the day job" as well as helping some friends with their very eclectic weddings in my spare time - one a 'vintage inspired destination beach wedding' and the other an 'elegant goth wedding'. Stay tuned. Lot's of interesting inspiration coming soon!!!

In the meantime, I am on the event committee for the leading Lyme Disease non-profit the
Turn the Corner Foundation, working on their yearly fundraising gala, UnMAsk A Cure, at the stunning venue Gotham Hall on November 13th in New York City.

There's a common misconception about Lyme Disease that it is easy to diagnose and treat. In fact, this is not the case as the CDC Guidelines for diagnosis and treatment are not definitive and under great dispute. Most doctors and the general public are simply unaware of this and therefore thousands of people go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed wreaking havoc on their lives not to mentioned their livelihoods. Late diagnosed/Chronic Lyme Disease can get into every tissue and every organ of your body. My husband went for 5 years and almost died before being diagnosed. He may now need a kidney...

TTC supports and funds new research into the progression, treatment and prevention of Lyme Disease. It is the Foundation's goal to reach as many people as possible to promote public awareness regarding how prevalent Lyme Disease actually is and to work with the medical industry to provide them with the resources that they need to properly diagnose and treat this debilitating disease. It is near and dear to my heart.

While my husband and I would love to see you at the event if your are in the tri state area, even in these tough times, donations from afar are welcome. Ladies, if you're planning a favor donation for your wedding, please consider the Turn the Foundation. In addition, contact me at mhesterfer@comcast.net if you do plan your favor donation to TTC for your wedding. I will donate my design services and create the art for your card in your color/theme for you to print and display at your wedding.

The money raised by TTC goes to fund initiatives such as their Physicians Training program
where in about two weeks, trainees become "Lyme-literate" through watching mentoring doctors in action with patients, reviewing different cases, and learning their individual approaches to diagnosis and treatment. These professionals bring this skill set back to their community in order to better care for their patients.

TTC is also involved with the national distribution of the first feature length documentary about Lyme Disease Under Our Skin. The film, which premiered at the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival in NYC this year, details the untold story of Lyme Disease by following the stories of patients and physicians as they battle for their lives and livelihoods. The film brings into focus a truly haunting picture of our health care system and its ability (or lack thereof) to cope with Lyme Disease. Check out some of the riveting footage from the film here http://www.youtube.com/openeyepictures

In addition TTC provides grants to doctors and scientists who are working on groundbreaking research such as Dr. Alan MacDonald. Dr. MacDonald is exploring if a Borrelia Burgdoferi (Lyme related) infection is one of the causes of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimers!

Due to tough times out there, donations are way down this year. I immediately thought to reach out to brides, asking you all to consider nixing those beautifully packaged favors and to consider a favor donation to the Turn the Corner Foundation. Don't forget to contact me to design the art for your cards!

In addition to cash, items are desperately needed for the Gala's auction.
Items such as:
sports memorabilia; jewelry; designer handbags, shoes, clothing; original art; travel donations such as a weekend at a B&B, beach house stays, ski weekends; celebrity meet and greets; personal training, massage, nutritional sessions, gym memberships; theater, concert sports tickets; gift bags/gift baskets; private cooking lessons from a well known chef; Letterman tickets; family portrait photo sessions; gift certificates to stores and for services. If you're interested in donating an item for the auction, please email me at mhesterfer@comcast.net

For more information about the event and how to donate click here: http://www.turnthecorner.org/unmaskacure2008/

All donations be it cash, service or item are indeed tax deductible.

Thanks to all for reading this far, for keeping an eye on my blog. Of course, stay tuned for some very interesting wedding inspiration!

xxoo-Merrilee

SUNDAY MORNING PAPER / LETTERPRESS INVITATIONS SALE

You need invites + I need samples = Big Sale!

I mentioned a few weeks ago that I would be offering the new designs in my collection at 50% off and so without further ado here is the first design I am offering…

This 2 color letterpress ensemble features a 5x7 main panel printed on 600 GSM white 2 ply copperplate paper with a beautiful peony motif and a coordinating pink outer envelope with printed return address on the back flap. The coordinating reply card is 3x5 printed on 300GSM copperplate paper and includes a matching printed white textured envelope as well as a custom postage stamp featuring the peony from the main panel. One additional enclosure card printed on 300 GSM copperplate paper, such as a reception card or directions is included in the price noted below, but is not shown.

For your reference, the sale price for this design as described above for 100 sets is $1100 plus shipping.

If selected, I will send you a quote as per your specifications. For example, if you do not require the additional enclosure card, or you require more or less sets the pricing would be adjusted accordingly.

I will consider color customization. See here for available ink options. There are certain restrictions in letterpress in terms of printing certain colors on colored paper (ie: the outer envis) and I’ll communicate to you any issues that I forsee with your choices.

Here’s how it works:
Reply to this post with your interest and the following details
-Your name and email address
-Your wedding date
-Your deadline for outer envis, if you need them earlier for calligraphy purposes

On April 20th, I will pick a winner at random and we will begin the process. You will send me your wording details and any additional specifications that you require. Within 3-5 business days I will forward digital proofs for your approval followed by your final quote.

Payment in full is due upon ‘going to press’ and can be made via Paypal.

Samples from my past collection are available upon request, but in very limited quanities.

THE ELEGANCE(!?!?) OF BALLOONS

Leave it to Martha to beat me to it. I was planning a post about how the most inexpensive decor element ever created can be used to create a uniquely stylish event if done right and woop, there is an article about it right there in the new Spring '08 edition of Martha Stewart Weddings.



This space from the Spring 08 issue was created for a wedding, and would be equally elegant and unique for all types of events from showers to birthday parties.

Use balloons to inexpensively fill an empty space or use the juxtaposition of the simplicity of the balloons against your more elaborately decorated venue.

I particularly love the idea of using balloons use as props for your photography...shown in the photo below by Jessica Claire. Why not hand one to each guest at an outdoor ceremony to release upon the announcement of "I do".


From left to right: Innove; Snippet and Ink; Martha; Martha; Jessica Claire

Check out Balloon Saloon for the best color selection and size options.

NEW YORK WEDDINGS SHOWCASE

Pssst!! If you're anywhere near the New York area on April 2 you must stop by New York Magazine's Weddings Showcase at the Metropolitan Pavillion (125 West 18th Street) Tickets are only $25$35

Featuring an "Ask the Experts" table manned by Denise Penny (New York Weddings editor), Jung lee (From Fete), Colin Cowie, David Kirsch (Fitness and wellness expert), and Anthony Todd (Event Designer).

Hang out and chat with and view the latest work from the most elite wedding vendors in the area including

Lisa Hoffman of Ceci New York
Bridal Atelier
Xochitl Gonzalez from Always a Bridesmaid
Milk and Honey Productions
Christian Oth Photographers
Greenwich Letterpress
Two Birds Bridesmaids
Ron Ben Israel Cakes
Kathy Littwin Photography
5 West Studios

See you there!

THE ELEGANCE OF BASILICA GOWNS

Via the lovely Polka Dot Bride, I came across the stunning wedding gown designs of Patty Panatou of Basilica. Although she is based in Australia and her designs are made to order through detailed consultations, if you had the budget it'd be so worth the trip.

The dress that is 2nd from left is exactly what I was looking for when I got married, but never came across stateside. In hidesite, I should have had it made. ; )

SUNDAY MORNING PAPER

Okay, well, I guess it's "Sunday Night Paper" since it's 10:45PM on the east coast ; )

Forgive the sparse posts lately. I've been feeling crappy from all the Lyme drugs, but hope to be feeling better soon.

In the meantime, consider this a little teaser to an offer/contest I've been planning for my loyal readers for sometime now. Once the letterpress designs in my new collection are (finally) completed, I'll be offering several at wholesale pricing by drawing-1 lucky winner per set.

All details to follow, including how to apply for consideration so stay tuned : )

Many of the designs in my collection are still being tweaked, here are my favorites so far:

BEAUTIFUL BRIDAL HEADBANDS

After watching the fianle of Project Runway (Yes, I'm completely addicted and devastated that Rami didn't win) : ( But...did you notice the beautiful headbands that he used on the girls for his evening collection?

I have no idea who the designer is the for headbands used on the show, knowing Rami, he probably made them himself. It inpired me to post about some of the exceptionally talented headband/accessories designers out there who make these stunning pieces, appropriate both for the bride or your maids. Take a look...

Jennifer Behr

From top left:

Victorian crystal and silk satin designed after an antique brooch on a silk satin headwrap $162

Petite crystal and satin. 5/8" satin ribbon with swarovski crystals designed after an art deco jewel. $68

Antique gold antique metallic lace is hand-stitched onto a delicate satin ribbon, and then freshwater pearls are stitched down the center on top. satin ribbon ties at the back that can be tied or else pinned into your hair.$625

Champagne delicate crystal twist stitched to a fine silk chiffon. $345

Swarovski crystal encrusted headwrap lined with satin and finished at the back with elastic. $575

Overlapping crystal twist delicate and elegant crystal headwrap. Six woven strands of swarovski crystals finished at back with elastic. $162

Miu Miu

Beaded Crystal Headband
Various-sized crystal studs fashion this satin headband for an elegant finish $225 Available at Saks

Stacey Lapidus

From left:

Knotted Crystal & Chain Headband $200

"Tao" Headband $300

Crytal Eye Headwrap $250

Vintage Clover Brooch $100

Colette Malouf

Silver Crystal Mesh Headband

Hermatitie Mesh Wave Headband

Admittedly, I have expensive taste, but if you're on a budget here's a lovely white brocade option from Erin Fetherston For Target. Add a little brooch or applique from MJ or Ejoyce and oua la!